After ranking dead last against run defense, bottom four in run offense, among other fundamental struggles, the injury-riddled Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs in 2021 against all odds. In the offseason, the team made a concentrated effort to patch up these holes, and whether this will translate to a playoff spot in a growingly competitive AFC North remains to be seen. The team’s former safety Ryan Clark, who played alongside Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu for many years, does not think so.
“Your expectation is for them to compete, but I don’t believe this Pittsburgh Steelers team can win the AFC North,” Clark said when asked if the team will make the playoffs on ESPN’s show This Just In.